National Security

Wireless Security Research

INL develops and evaluates wireless security technologies that help government and industry strengthen FutureG communications through research, testing and collaborative innovation.

Wireless Research Fact Sheet
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Securing FutureG and Beyond Technology

In response to the nation’s challenge to develop and validate FutureG security protocols and data protection technologies, Idaho National Laboratory has dedicated researchers to lead and coordinate government, academic, and private industry research efforts fostering more secure and reliable FutureG wireless technology. INL draws on over 20 years of foundational work, expertise and unique facilities to analyze, design, test, and improve cellular, radio, and satellite communication systems for government agencies and global wireless communication companies.

With this research, INL aims to enable government and industry to maximize the benefits of FutureG and beyond technology by providing superior policy and decision data, security evaluation, engineering support, and technology development.

Research Focus Areas

INL’s wireless security research addresses vulnerabilities across emerging communications technologies, from connected devices and radio access networks to spectrum use and next-generation wireless systems. 

5G Device and Network Security Analysis

Evaluates the security of 5G devices and network infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience and support secure deployment.
  • SA Device vulnerability and threat analysis
  • Extension to gNodeB/RAN and 5G core network
  • 5G evaluation, range buildout, and analysis for the energy sector
high frequency test bed wireless spectrum

Cellular Drone Security

Research advances the security of cellular and drone communications by evaluating network architectures, authentication methods and the effects of evolving spectrum policies.
  • Secure nationwide networks including frequency reuse
  • 5G enhanced authentication including device-to-device (D2D) schemes
  • Impact from 6 GHz reallocations
wireless research

Secure Spectrum Sharing Architecture

Develops secure spectrum-sharing technologies and communications architectures that improve performance, reliability and resilience for mission-critical wireless applications.
  • Spectral efficiency improvement with cyclic prefix
  • Mission Critical Ultra-reliable Low-latency (URLLC)
  • Spectrum Cyber Initiative: WiFIRE
  • Clandestine and video surveillance communications

These research areas are supported through collaborations with government agencies, industry partners and academic institutions that help validate technologies in real-world environments.

Through research partnerships, recognized leadership and specialized capabilities, INL collaborates with government, industry and academia to advance wireless security research, evaluation and technology development.

INL’s research team draws on this expertise to organize and facilitate Wireless Security Workshops to provide a collaborative and innovative forum for the FutureG security community. The workshops discuss critical security challenges, security needs and actions needed to strengthen collaboration and engagement between industry, government and academia.

National Working Groups and Strategic Partnerships

INL researchers actively participate in national working groups and partner organizations that address emerging wireless security challenges, coordinate research priorities and advance secure wireless technologies.

Collaborating on National and Global Challenges

U.S. Government

WSI-Federal partners - Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice

Academia

WSI-University partners University of Utah, North Carolina State University, Florida International University, Mississippi State, Virginia Commonwealth University, Utah State, University of Texas, San Antonio, Boise State University, Idaho State University, University of Idaho, Virginia Technology University

Industry

WSI Industries - Nokia, QualComm, Cisco, Verizon Wireless/Skyward, InterDigital

Emerging Research Areas

As wireless technologies evolve, INL continues to expand its research capabilities to address emerging security challenges across government, industry and critical infrastructure.
  • 5G security assessments
  • Wireless Security for Nuclear Power Plants
  • Wi-Fi 6E impact to Infrastructure control communications
  • National Center for Wireless Spectrum Research (SII – Center)
  • National Radio Dynamic Zones (NRDZ)
  • 5G impacts to Radio Altimeter (RA) operations (4.2-4.4 GHz)
  • 5G impacts and opportunities for law enforcement

Connect with our Team

Questions about our research, capabilities or collaboration opportunities?
Our team is ready to connect you with the right experts and resources at INL.

Corinne Dionisio

Communications Liaison

corinne.dionisio@inl.gov

Additional Resources

National Security Fact Sheets
Doing Business with INL
Office of Undersecretary of Defense R&E
Department of Energy Chief Information Officer (DOE-CIO)